Central Hudson Offers Supplemental Grants to HEAP Households

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation is offering supplemental grants to assist customers receiving benefits from this winter’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The supplemental grants were recently approved by the New York State Public Service Commission.

“We are very pleased to offer this program, especially at this critical time,” said Charles A. Freni, Senior Vice President of Customer Services at Central Hudson. “Higher energy costs are projected this winter, and the burden on customers with limited incomes may be more challenging. These supplemental grants will provide a measure of needed relief.”

Starting December 1, and during the 2008-2009 winter heating season, a one-time $200 grant will be applied to the accounts of customers receiving HEAP benefits, retroactive to the start of this year’s HEAP program on November 3, 2008. Customers who also participate or are eligible for Central Hudson’s Enhanced Powerful Opportunities Program (EPOP) will receive an additional $100 grant applied to their account, for a total credit of $300. The EPOP program is open to residential customers who receive HEAP benefits, heat with electricity or natural gas and have a past-due balance of at least $100 on their Central Hudson account.  EPOP provides a discounted budget bill, opportunity for arrears forgiveness and education on financial management and energy efficiency.

Funding for this supplemental grant program is from unspent balances on prior Central Hudson assistance programs offered in 2007-2008.

“Families and individuals receiving HEAP benefits automatically qualify for this supplemental grant, and we encourage all who are eligible to apply for HEAP benefits,” said Freni. “The HEAP eligibility levels have been increased this year so that the benefits are available to more households. As examples, a family of two earning up to $30,804, or a family of five earning up to $52,560 qualify this year for a HEAP benefit, which can pay up to a month’s heating costs,” he said. “Combining our new supplemental grant with HEAP benefits will go a long way towards reducing heating bills this winter.”

Customers may apply for HEAP benefits from their county’s Department of Social Services or Office for the Aging. For more information on HEAP or other assistance programs offered by Central Hudson, visit www.CentralHudson.com, or call (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714.

Click here to see the 2008-2009 HEAP income guidelines

#          #            #